Description
Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers is a vibrant and flavorful one-pan dish featuring tender boneless chicken breasts seasoned with a bold homemade Cajun spice mix, sautéed to perfection with colorful bell peppers and onions. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, delivering a smoky, spicy kick balanced by the sweetness of bell peppers. Packed with protein and nutrient-rich veggies, it serves as a wholesome, satisfying meal that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with rice, quinoa, or salad.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cajun Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Vegetables:
- 2 bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Evenly coat the chicken breasts with this spice blend to ensure a bold, flavorful crust.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, until fully cooked through and golden brown on the outside. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced bell peppers and onions, and sauté over medium heat for 5-6 minutes until they start to soften. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Combine Chicken and Vegetables: Slice the cooked chicken breasts into thin strips. Return the chicken strips to the skillet with the peppers and onions, tossing everything together. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors and heat through.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or cilantro over the dish. Serve hot, either on its own or paired with your choice of rice, quinoa, or salad.
Notes
- Adjust heat level by adding cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the Cajun seasoning for extra spice.
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for juicier meat.
- Vegetable cooking time can be modified to your preferred level of tenderness or crunch.
- Leftover Cajun chicken with bell peppers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- This dish is naturally dairy-free and can be incorporated easily into meal prep routines.
- Freeze leftovers for up to 2-3 months; thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat in a skillet.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Cajun
Keywords: Cajun chicken, bell peppers, one-pan meal, spicy chicken, easy dinner, meal prep, sautéed chicken, healthy chicken recipe, low-carb chicken, quick Cajun recipe
